We of the Never Never

What's wonderful is that there is no real "villain" here -- the characters are subtle (something American filmmakers should learn) and interesting. The ending is a bit flat but that may be merely a typical American need for a big finale. Don't let it stop you from watching this film.

But whatever you do -- DO NOT READ THE BLURB ON THE BACK! It gives away the entire story (including the ending).


An Australian Classic   July 11, 2000
Marcie E. Bloom (Chicago, Illinois United States)
20 out of 22 found this review helpful

Back in the 70's, the Australian Government generously funded the arts and the film industry, and this film is one of the greats from that period -considered to be the "golden age" of australian filmaking.

If you are interested in knowing more about australian history, and the tragic consequences of white settlement for the aboriginal people, this is a good film to start with.

The moral complexities of the tragedy are reminicent of the recent film "dead heart". I would also recommend the film "walkabout".

There is something about the way the lead aboriginal character holds a certain kind of quiet dignity that is heartbreaking to watch. I do not agree with leonard maltin that this film fails to pack a dramatic punch. This is a beautiful and emotional film, and i would recommend it as part of any film studies course that is dealing with the australian genre.


Absorbing and Poignant Australian Movie   May 14, 2007
Peter Baklava (Charles City, Iowa)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

First and foremost, "We of the Never Never" must be counted as a visually beautiful film, a triumph of cinematography which reveals the Australian outback in all its splendor. Gary Hansen won a well deserved award for the cinematography.

The story (adapted from a true account by "Mrs. Aeneas Gunn") follows an Australian pioneer bride with a budding feminist sensibility as she learns to live in the Aussie wilderness, at the cattle station run by her new husband.

Jeannie Gunn (played by Angela Punch McGregor) is a woman of determination. She refuses to accept the "code of stoic suffering" embraced by the cattle ranchers, nor will she abide their condescension toward the Aboriginal people, who are treated as slaves.

Beyond the highlighted social issues, "We of the Never Never" is a film that becomes powerful in its unsentimental portrayal of death. Death treats the lowly and the privileged equally, and the death scenes in this movie are utterly, tragically believable. The culminating scene between Jeannie and her husband is very touching. Arthur Dignam, who plays the husband, gives a nuanced performance, the best performance in the film.

As a bonus, there is a beguiling musical score by Peter Best, which features strings, cor anglais, and digeridoo.

CAUTIONARY NOTE: Heavy Australian accents should have dictated that this dvd come equipped with subtitles. It does not, and for that omission I deduct one star.


Excellent Film: Character Development, Plot and Stunning Scenery   March 11, 2008
L. L. Bruns (Venecia, Costa Rica)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This film has so many positive attributes that I can recommend it without hesitation.
First, the photography is exceptional. Scenes encompass the action as well as the land. Nothing seems hurried or extraneous.
Second, the plot is well executed. The story is compelling-- the saga of embracing what is difficult and different. Coming to terms with a culture vastly different and challenging on many levels.
Third, and lastly, the careful honesty that comes through in portraying an indiginous people that are clearly a conundrum for the main characters. How they manage relationship between each other and the people they come to know.
I found this film to be simply wonderful.